River Rock - Re: Replacement Workers - BCGEU

We understand that your employer is looking for ways to continue operating during a strike or lockout at River Rock Casino. Here are the facts around what your employer can and cannot do.

The Labour Relations Code prohibits the following people from doing work normally done by unionized employees during a strike or lockout at River Rock Casino:

1. Anyone hired after January 18, 2016. That is the date on which the BCGEU gave notice to the Employer to engage in collective bargaining.

2. Anyone who normally works at another Great Canadian Casino location (eg. Hard Rock, Elements, etc.)

3. Anyone who was transferred to River Rock Casino after January 18, 2016.

4. Anyone who is employed by a contractor.

We understand that management has asked non-union employees at River Rock Casino to be replacement workers in the event of a strike or lockout, and in some cases, to sign letters saying they agree to perform their co-workers' jobs. Management asked these non-union employees to respond in writing by August 25, 2017.

It is important to know that:

Any non-unionized employees hired or engaged after January 18, 2016 cannot be a replacement worker. That means they cannot do the work of unionized employees during a strike or lockout at River Rock Casino. For example, a Food and Beverage worker who was hired after January 18, 2016 cannot work as a dealer or slot attendant during a strike or lockout.

Any non-unionized employee who was hired before January 18, 2016 has the legal right to refuse to do the work of unionized employees during a strike or lockout.

This means that any non-unionized employee who received a letter from management has the right to say NO to doing your co-worker's job while they are on strike or locked out.

Management cannot terminate, threaten to terminate, discipline, reduce conditions of employment, or in any way punish a non-unionized employee for refusing to perform the work of unionized employees during a strike or lockout at River Rock Casino.

If a non-unionized employee is in any way threatened punished, or disciplined for refusing to be a replacement worker, the BCGEU will fully support that non-unionized employee against management. That may include prosecuting a complaint against River Rock Casino at the BC Labour Relations Board.